Carbon fee can spur transit usage
There seems to be a contradiction in what Georgians want (“Yes to transit, but no to new taxes,” News, Jan. 11). The gasoline tax hasn’t been raised in 20 years. This should be an easy choice, especially with gas prices at their current low. However, there is another good idea, this one initially proposed by former Secretary of State George Schultz, also a past Treasury secretary. He believes there should be a fee on carbon to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
This would not be a tax if the government doesn’t keep the money. Fee revenues should be given back to the people. This return could stimulate the economy and cause the reduction of fossil-fuel pollutants. This is often referred to as carbon fee and dividend. More public transportation could make a huge difference in our quality of life.
KATHERINE MITCHELL, ATLANTA
Professionalize Ga. social workers
Gov. Nathan Deal’s panel to protect vulnerable children makes recommendations about policies, procedures and the number of caseworkers to serve children and families. However, the panel is silent on one requisite for effective service: professional preparation of social workers. Georgia is in the bottom 10 states in the number of licensed social workers per capita. It has less than half the average number of licensed social workers per capita of the nation as a whole.
Relying on the usual recruitment pool of music and art history majors who cannot find employment will not help DFACS improve. The state should provide service-cancellable loans, financial aid for accredited social work degrees, and opportunities for paid internships in DFACS. Only when Georgia makes a full commitment to the professionalization of its services will there be any hope for progress in meeting the needs of children and families.
CHRIS VALLEY, BROOKHAVEN
Clergyman backs dismissal of chief
As an ordained minister in the Christian faith for 34 years, I support Mayor Kasim Reed’s dismissal of former Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran because of views he stated about homosexuality in a self-published book. He held a prominent position of leadership in public safety. Any statements he made on any topic were not private, but represented his office and city.
His beliefs about homosexuality have no relevance to public safety. Many gay and lesbian people run businesses and reside and pay taxes in the city. Cochran’s personal beliefs cast doubt on his ability to assure equal treatment to all citizens. Further, there is no one Christian position about homosexuality. Theological stands vary a great deal, even among Atlanta congregations. Christianity needs no protection in Atlanta, Georgia or the United States.
REV. LOUIS F. KAVAR, ATLANTA
